But while the "controversial" Golden Globes gold-flecked pudding has outraged poverty observers, nutritional experts are unconcerned.

Gold as a food additive has a long and illustrious history dating back to the Middle Ages, according to this website."While peasants went hungry the rich decorated their lavish banquets with a patina of gold," the Blurtit site claims.

"There is also a liqueur called Danziger Goldwasser which is flecked by minute particles of gold leaf suspended in the liquid," Blurtit says. "The liqueur is used the flavour the aptly named souffle Rothschild."

Local examples are hard to come by but rumour has it that in the 1970s Alison Holst did a pineapple, Philly cream cheese muffin, lightly dusted with cornflour and gold dust (optional).

Early editions of the Edmonds 'Sure to Rise' cookbook are also said to contain a gold version of 'Invalid Egg' while the ubiquitous modern Kiwi chef, Richard Tull, is understood to have produced an Otago-influenced take on 'mince on toast', that involves gold-infused lard and Watties tomato sauce.

Interestingly, the underlying ingredients offer more danger to diners than the gold itself, which has been awarded the food additive number E175.

David is a freelance journalist who has covered the financial services business on both sides of the Tasman for over 15 years. He is the editor of industry website Investment News. David has edited magazines and websites for the financial advice, investment and superannuation industries.